Tuchel explains decision to drop Mendy for Kepa in Chelsea goal

The Blues boss handed Kepa a first Premier League appearance since October in Monday’s clash with Newcastle.

Thomas Tuchel explained he started Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal against Newcastle so the goalkeeper could build some rhythm and confidence, but the Chelsea manager confirmed Edouard Mendy is his number one.

A series of lackluster performances under Tuchel’s predecessor, Frank Lampard, saw Kepa slip down the pecking order in favor of new signing Mendy, who joined the club in September from Rennes in a €24m deal.

Mendy has since featured in four of Tuchel’s first six games in charge, with Antonio Rudiger’s own goal being only the time he has conceded. Yet it was Kepa who got the nod in goal for the 1-0 FA Cup win over Barnsley last week and again on Monday for the club’s 2-0 victory against Newcastle in the Premier League.

“We need a strong Kepa in our squad,” Tuchel told Sky Sports. “He had a good game in the cup so we decided to give him another match to build up a little bit of rhythm, confidence and to trust him because he did very well.

“At the same time, we can give Edou the chance to mentally recover because it is a demanding position mentally and concentration-wise so with one decision we have both advantages.”

Despite Kepa keeping clean sheets in each of his two games under Tuchel, however, Mendy remains Chelsea’s number one.

“Edou is the number one, this is clear,” Tuchel said later. “It was clear before the game and it stays like this.

“I am happy Kepa continued with a second clean sheet. It was the moment to let him feel the rhythm and build up his confidence.

“It was clear before that we hoped for the best performance, but Edou will be in goal from now on as he recovered physically and mentally and right now, he is the number one.”